MANILA — After conducting 15 hearings, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality is set to conclude its investigation into illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and former Mayor Alice Guo.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the committee, announced on Thursday that they would hold one final hearing in the coming weeks to wrap up the inquiry.
One key issue under scrutiny is the potential liability of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Intelligence Group for allowing Mary Ann Maslog to mediate Guo’s surrender and for permitting her access to the PNP Custodial Center on two occasions to meet the dismissed official.
Maslog, who is linked to the 1998 textbook scam and allegedly faked her own death to evade charges, is now using the alias Jessica Francisco.
During the October 8 hearing, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, former officer-in-charge of the Intelligence Group, admitted he trusted Maslog, whom he had known since 2022. This did not sit well with Hontiveros.
“Common sense mula sa isang mamamayan, hindi po acceptable ‘yung ganon… Kasi kaduda-duda ‘yung taong ‘yun,” Hontiveros said in a press briefing on Thursday. “We’re looking into their possible liability.”
Maslog, currently in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), is also expected to be called as a resource person.
“Inimbita namin siya bilang resource person dahil soon or right after siya inaresto ng NBI, lumitaw sa sarili niyang mga statements na kilala daw niya si Guo Hua Ping, kilala daw niya si Mayor Calugay,” Hontiveros said. “Hindi talaga kapani-paniwala ‘yung mga pinagsasabi niya.”
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian labeled Maslog a “professional con artist” during an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo, suggesting that her actions are only aimed at gaining attention.
Senate President Francis Escudero also raised concerns, questioning why intelligence officers still believe and use Maslog as a source of information.
Senator Ronald Dela Rosa queried whether someone instructed Maslog to have Guo sign an affidavit implicating him, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and others, a question Escudero deemed valid.
“May karapatan si Senator Bato na tanungin ‘yung mga nais niyang ipukol na katanungan sa kanila base sa impormasyon na nakuha o binigay sa kanya,” Escudero remarked.
Regarding allegations that Guo is a Chinese spy, Escudero said it is up to the courts to decide, as the claim originates from a foreigner imprisoned in Thailand.
In an Al Jazeera documentary, Chinese businessman-turned-spy She Zhijiang accused Guo of espionage.
Hontiveros’ office attempted to contact She but was denied access.
“Isa ‘yun sa dapat i-pursue ng authorities, di na siguro trabaho ng Senado pa ‘yan na ipatawag o magpadala ng team doon,” Escudero added, stressing the need to revisit the Anti-Espionage Act, as there appears to be no law explicitly punishing spies.
Hontiveros also noted that Guo would not be granted any more executive sessions or closed-door meetings.
During an executive session on October 8, Guo reportedly revealed the names of Chinese individuals suspected of being POGO masterminds and Filipino collaborators who assisted her escape.
However, Hontiveros stated that the information provided was not highly valuable.